Return 復

Return is the light coming back after the longest night. A new cycle has begun; protect this fresh start gently and let it grow at its own pace.

What does Return mean?

After the longest night of winter, the sun begins to come back. There is a small stirring under the soil; even if it cannot be seen yet, life is waking again. This situation shows that a hard period is ending and a new cycle is beginning. Something you lost may come back, a value you forgot may be remembered again, or you may turn from a wrong road to a right one. This return does not come by force but as part of a natural cycle. Just as night turns into day, a dark period turns toward light. What you need to do is notice this small light and make room for it.

But this return is still very fresh. The thunder is within the earth, meaning the movement is still underground. In such times the ancient kings rested. Forcing a new shoot breaks it. What is asked of you is to protect this new beginning with patience. Do not rush, do not exhaust yourself, save your energy. Everything will come back in its own natural rhythm. What matters is returning not to old habits but to your essence. If you made a mistake, admit it and turn back. A mistake noticed early does not grow into a great regret.

The lines

If a line changed (red) in your reading, read only that line. Lines are counted from the bottom up.

1. First line

   Returning from a short distance. No need for regret. Great good fortune. You noticed early that you had strayed and turned back at once; this is best.

2. Second line

   A beautiful return. Good fortune. Looking at the example of good people makes it easier to come back to the right road.

3. Third line

   Returning again and again. There is danger, but no blame. You change direction often; indecision is tiring, but continuing to return is better than never returning.

4. Fourth line

   Walking among others, returning alone. Those around you are going in a wrong direction; you follow what you know is right, even if you are left alone.

5. Fifth line

   Returning wholeheartedly. No regret. You see your own mistakes honestly and take responsibility; this makes you stronger.

6. Top line

   Missing the return. Misfortune and calamity. Armies are defeated, and for ten years there is no advance. You stubbornly missed the chance to turn back; the price is heavy, so stop and think again.

Trigrams

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